Book of Enoch

Questions for Further Study

1. The book of Enoch is referred to as an example of “apocalyptic” literature. What does this term mean in biblical studies? In what way is the book similar to the New Testament book of Revelation, and how does it differ?

2. During the early years of the Christian Church, both Christianity and Judaism were in a state of turmoil, as new sects developed, heresies emerged, and contention arose about biblical books and which were canonical. What part did the book of Enoch and the events surrounding its production play in this turmoil? Why was this book not accepted as canonical, despite being admired by early church fathers and occupying a place in the canon of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church?

3. Imagine that you are an archeologist with a particular interest in religious history and that you discovered a new biblical text, perhaps one stored in an ancient monastery or museum. The text purports to have been written by one of Judas Maccabee’s followers, and it excites you because it presents a widely differing version of events during this period in Jewish history. What would you do with the text? How would you authenticate it? Try to recreate the process of studying lost ancient texts from the standpoint of a historian or archeologist.

4. The book of “Enoch” almost certainly was not written by the biblical figure Enoch. Why, then, is it called the book of Enoch? More important, does the authorship of the book make any difference in the matter of its authority?

5. It is highly likely that most Christians have heard of such groups as the Pharisees and the Sadducees, whose names appear in readings from the Gospels at church services. It is also highly likely that most laypeople have only a vague understanding of who these groups were. Based on your reading of the entry, who were the Pharisees and Sadducees, and why was the distinction between the two groups important?